Assistant Professor of Health Communication - Department of Communication Studies

The Department of Communication Studies in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences at West Virginia University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor with a specialization in Health Communication starting August 2027.

The Department of Communication Studies has been historically impactful and comprises faculty who are research productive, excellent classroom instructors, and have a strong commitment to faculty governance and inclusion. The department offers a full range of academic programs, including a B.A., online M.A., and Ph.D. program. Additionally, the department supports WVU students through general education, college core, and minor courses.

Rooted in the social science perspective, the Department of Communication Studies is committed to preparing students to be competent communicators. Our faculty members are dedicated to developing students’ critical and practical problem-solving, decision-making, and presentation skills with the intent of empowering students to construct and deliver context-specific messages across their personal, social, and professional relationships. To do so, we work diligently to create a communication climate that facilitates respect between and among faculty and students; cultivates an environment that allows for the expression of differing thoughts, beliefs, and opinions; and develops student appreciation for lifelong learning.

Responsibilities\:

We seek an outstanding and dedicated researcher and instructor who will conduct cutting edge research and teach both undergraduate and graduate courses. The successful applicant is expected to establish nationally competitive and externally funded research program in the area of Health Communication. Teaching responsibilities in graduate and undergraduate areas will focus on Health Communication and other areas of candidate expertise and departmental need. The expected teaching load is two courses per semester (2/2). The candidate will also be expected to serve the department, community, university, and profession. 

The Department of Communication Studies in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences at West Virginia University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor with a specialization in Health Communication starting August 2027.

The Department of Communication Studies has been historically impactful and comprises faculty who are research productive, excellent classroom instructors, and have a strong commitment to faculty governance and inclusion. The department offers a full range of academic programs, including a B.A., online M.A., and Ph.D. program. Additionally, the department supports WVU students through general education, college core, and minor courses.

Rooted in the social science perspective, the Department of Communication Studies is committed to preparing students to be competent communicators. Our faculty members are dedicated to developing students’ critical and practical problem-solving, decision-making, and presentation skills with the intent of empowering students to construct and deliver context-specific messages across their personal, social, and professional relationships. To do so, we work diligently to create a communication climate that facilitates respect between and among faculty and students; cultivates an environment that allows for the expression of differing thoughts, beliefs, and opinions; and develops student appreciation for lifelong learning.

Responsibilities\:

We seek an outstanding and dedicated researcher and instructor who will conduct cutting edge research and teach both undergraduate and graduate courses. The successful applicant is expected to establish nationally competitive and externally funded research program in the area of Health Communication. Teaching responsibilities in graduate and undergraduate areas will focus on Health Communication and other areas of candidate expertise and departmental need. The expected teaching load is two courses per semester (2/2). The candidate will also be expected to serve the department, community, university, and profession. 

Professional Qualifications\:

The successful candidate must meet the following criteria.

• PhD or equivalent degree in Communication Studies or a closely related field by the time of appointment.
• Demonstrated ability or potential to develop a nationally competitive and externally funded research program. 
• Strong potential for outstanding contribution to the department’s undergraduate and graduate teaching and research missions.
• Ability to collaborate on research with faculty in other disciplines. 
• Ability to provide high-quality mentorship to undergraduate and graduate students.
• Excellent organization and communication skills.

To apply, please visit https\://careers.wvu.edu/career-opportunities and upload (1) a cover letter describing your research and teaching interests and abilities, (2) a curriculum vitae including a list of publications, (3) a succinct statement of future research plans, and 4) a one-page teaching statement. Reference letters may be requested at a later stage in the search process. For additional information, please contact the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Megan Dillow at [email protected]. Review of applications will begin on November 10th and will continue until the position is filled.

Morgantown, WV is a growing university city. The area offers abundant outdoor recreation and the cultural opportunities of a college town. It is within easy driving distance of Pittsburgh, PA (70 mi) and is within a day's driving distance to Washington DC and Columbus, OH (200 mi).

Professional Qualifications\:

The successful candidate must meet the following criteria.

• PhD or equivalent degree in Communication Studies or a closely related field by the time of appointment.
• Demonstrated ability or potential to develop a nationally competitive and externally funded research program. 
• Strong potential for outstanding contribution to the department’s undergraduate and graduate teaching and research missions.
• Ability to collaborate on research with faculty in other disciplines. 
• Ability to provide high-quality mentorship to undergraduate and graduate students.
• Excellent organization and communication skills.

To apply, please visit https\://careers.wvu.edu/career-opportunities and upload (1) a cover letter describing your research and teaching interests and abilities, (2) a curriculum vitae including a list of publications, (3) a succinct statement of future research plans, and 4) a one-page teaching statement. Reference letters may be requested at a later stage in the search process. For additional information, please contact the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Megan Dillow at [email protected]. Review of applications will begin on November 10th and will continue until the position is filled.

Morgantown, WV is a growing university city. The area offers abundant outdoor recreation and the cultural opportunities of a college town. It is within easy driving distance of Pittsburgh, PA (70 mi) and is within a day's driving distance to Washington DC and Columbus, OH (200 mi).

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values — service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation — unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.